Earthquake checklist for the house

Start with the heavy things in the house that can fall: bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and whatever hangs on the walls. Securing them before an earthquake keeps them from falling on someone during one.

The house

• Fasten the tall furniture to the wallThat includes bookcases, refrigerators and televisions. Use the anchor kit the furniture maker supplies or recommends.
• Secure what hangs on the wallsStart with what hangs over a bed or a couch.
• Store heavy and breakable things on low shelves
• Have the water heater strappedA plumber can strap it and check the gas or water connections at the same visit.
• Have a structural engineer or contractor look at the houseAsk about fixing structural problems that could make the house collapse. That work is for a licensed professional.

The kit

• Stock food and water for several days
• Add a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistleThe whistle lets you signal for help if you're trapped.

The policy

• Read your homeowners policy for earthquake coverageA standard homeowners policy doesn't cover earthquake damage. The declarations page shows whether you have an earthquake endorsement or a separate policy.

When the shaking starts

Drop, cover and hold on. Drop onto your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with one arm and hand, and hold on until the shaking stops. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl under it. If not, crawl next to an interior wall, away from windows. In a wheelchair, lock the wheels, bend over and cover your head and neck.

In bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow. In a car, pull over, stop and set the parking brake. Outside, stay outside and move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines.

When it stops

Check yourself for injuries, then help others if you have training. If the building is damaged, go outside and move quickly away from it, and don't go back into damaged buildings. Watch for leaking gas and water lines and downed power lines. Expect aftershocks, and drop, cover and hold on again when one hits. A text can be more reliable than a call, and it saves battery.

If you live where a tsunami can reach, go inland or to higher ground as soon as the shaking stops.